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Corkmas Parade

Preparations are well underway for ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ as Cork City Council launches Corkmas, our city’s annual Christmas celebration.

Corkmas Parade Weather Update - 14 November 2025

 

Celebrations begin on Friday 14 November, when the Corkmas Parade fills the city with light, music, and wonder from 7pm to 8pm.

 

Returning for its second year, the parade will feature dancers, marching bands, performers, and of course, the Man in Red himself, marking the traditional switch-on of the city’s Christmas lights. This year’s parade lineup features:

  • Spark! A mesmerising street theatre show combining high-impact drumming with kaleidoscopic lighting. Ethereal, playful characters use dramatic music to interact with the crowd, to bring you on an irresistible, spellbinding journey.
  • Fire Service Tender with a young special guest. (You can’t really have a good parade without a fire truck, now can you?
  • The Sleigh – with a VERY special guest,. No introduction required. Make sure to call out I BELIEVE as he passes – our faith in the magic is what makes it happen!
  • The Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance say they are thrilled to take part in this year’s Corkmas Parade, as it is for them a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and festive spirit. They gave a stunning performance last year, being compared by spectators to the iconic New York Rockettes. This year they bring us the tale of beloved Christmas classic The Polar Express, with it’s magic, wonder, and warmth
  • Butter Exchange Band Welcome to our parade the instrumentalists representing the brass band heritage of the Northside.
  • LUXe All the way from Donegal come the seasonal snowy fairy tales and guiding stars designed and made by this group of leading Irish artistic spectacle creators. This year’s extravaganza comes with the  assistance of local groups – float pushers from the UCC Surgeon Noonan Society and dancers from the Montfort College of Performing Arts.
  •  Barrack Street Band Returning to close out the festivities in style

 

There will be an accessible area for those with additional needs or a seat or extra space around them outside Dunnes Stores on Patrick Street. See our Social Guide here: Corkmas Social Guide - What do I need to know? 

After the parade expect more wonderful Christmas cheer on the streets of Cork city. Here's a taste of things to come in November/December 2025: 

Over the Corkmas season, Cork City will be alive with festive sights, sounds, and flavours - from the Christmas market with it’s enchanting Santa Experience, the iconic Ferris Wheel on Grand Parade or with more new events yet to be announced – a programme of FREE family-friendly events and live music performances is planned. More details to be revealed in the coming weeks, but mark the calendar now - and book via these pages NOW for your Santa and Ferris Wheel visits.

“There’s a special kind of magic in Cork at Christmas, a warmth and togetherness that makes the city truly shine. Corkmas brings people of all ages into the heart of the city to celebrate what makes this time of year so special. It’s about community, connection, and supporting the local businesses, artists and craftspeople who help keep Cork’s festive spirit alive. Merry Corkmas, one and all!” - Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy

 KeyCorkmas dates for your diary:

  • 14th November: Corkmas Parade
  • 21st November to 21st  December: Festive Markets, Emmet Place
  • 28th November to 21st  December: Santa Experience, Emmet Place
  • 28th November to 31st December: Ferris Wheel, Grand Parade (see hours below) 

The Ferris Wheel runs from 12 noon to 9pm daily on:

Friday 28th November to Wednesday 24th December, excluding Mondays. 

Closed Christmas Day, then open again every day 26th to 31st December (including Monday 29th).

Closing for the season at 5.30pm New Years Eve

 

So get ready for an enchanting start to the season as Corkmas transforms the city into a celebration of light, joy, and togetherness. Whether it’s your first Corkmas or tried and tested seasonal family fun, Corkmas 2025 promises unforgettable moments.

Please share your parade images with all Corkmas fans on Facebook or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corkmas_cork_christmas/https://www.facebook.com/Corkmas/ using our hashtags #Corkmas #ChristmasInCork #NollaigIgCorcaigh

 

See the parade route here - and areas where our official photographers may be present.  

(Map: Google Earth)

A Cork Christmas Celebration